Carl Prischmann

Carl W. Prischmann, 80, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Carl was born the eldest child on February 6, 1943, in Orchard, Nebraska to Carl G. and Helen (Darr) Prischmann. After moving to Elizabeth, MN he attended and was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church. As a young man, Carl worked hard on the family farm and hustled quickly to get the work done so he could escape to what he loved so much—football and baseball! In fact, a baseball highlight for Carl was in 1960, when his team became the American Legion state champs. Carl graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1961, Bemidji University followed and Carl served his country through the National Guard.

The year was 1968 when Carl met the love of his life, Diane Anderson, at the Ottertail County fair (opposites attract!) and they married soon after and resided in Fergus Falls where they raised their three children: Leslie, Jon and Nick.

For most of Carl’s professional career, he was a trusted insurance agent, running his own agency for many years. He and Diane enjoyed the trips Carl earned to Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Early adult interests included fast-pitch softball, golf (with the Ben Gay group) and pinball! After a life-changing heart surgery with six bypasses at age 55, Carl had a new lease on life. Carl was very involved in the community and spent many hours volunteering locally as well as mentoring and coaching Otter youth football. Near Kennedy football field, a semi-circle of Norway Pines planted by Carl himself commemorates his love of football and nature.

In his private life, Carl loved being with his family and dedicated much time to watching his energetic grandchildren. He also cherished his alone time and spent countless hours walking in the woods with his beloved pets, teaching himself various art mediums, reading voraciously and enjoying summers at the cabin on Pickerel Lake. He loved all that he built and nurtured at the cabin and that is where he was often found gardening, listening to Wille Nelson or the Twins (with maximum radio static) and entertaining his large family and kids’ friends that came by for decades to gather and witness Carl’s legendary expressions.

Whether it be at home or on the field, Carl prized self-reliance and determination while teaching the importance of keeping a watchful eye and caring heart for those a bit on the sidelines of life.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, his brothers: Tom and Dan Prischmann, brothers-in-law Bud Anderson, Bob Baker, Darol Anderson & sister-in-law, Donna Lou Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane of Fergus Falls; his three children: Leslie (Matt) Flugstad, Jon (Isabelle) Prischmann of Fergus Falls and Nick (Kristi) Prischmann of Duluth; his eight grandchildren: Sophia, Nick, Yana, Julianna, Alec, Lucy, Claire and Sam; his sibling: Nancy (Arvid) Morken of Bismarck, ND; sisters-in-law: Karen Prischmann, JoAnn Prischmann, Donna Anderson, LaVonne Baker, Allegra Anderson; brother-in-law Paul (Diane) Anderson of Fergus Falls, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, the Salvation Army and the District 544 Foundation.

Visitation: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, and will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Please refer back to Carl’s tribute wall prior to the service for a link to the livestream.
Clergy: Reverends Kate Bruns and Tiffany Sundeen
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com